The Decentralization Imperative
Across Africa, government systems are devolving power and resources to local authorities. While this brings services closer to citizens, it also creates new challenges: local governments often lack technical capacity, financial resources, and institutional strength to fulfill their mandates.
Capacity Gaps
Financial: Limited local revenue, dependency on central transfers, lack of budgeting expertise.
Technical: Shortages of skilled professionals in accounting, planning, and service delivery.
Institutional: Weak internal controls, limited information systems, political interference.
Evidence from the Field
In Kenya and South Africa, decentralization efforts have yielded mixed results. Councils with strong civil society oversight and technical support perform better on service delivery metrics. Those without these supports struggle.
Solutions
Successful decentralization requires: (1) phased transfer of functions and resources; (2) sustained technical support and training; (3) strengthening local accountability mechanisms; (4) building local revenue bases.